You're out there. I know you are. You are currently in hiding. First of all,
just the description "artist" (or writer, poet, actor, etc.) strikes terror in
your heart. That neon sign blinking "I'm not good enough to even think the title,
much less say it out loud" is emblazoned in your being. BUT, deep down, you know
and feel that creativity is a part of who you are, your soul. It fights with you
and longs to be honored and recognized.

Can you remember a time when you picked up a paint brush or those large crayons
and painted/colored with energy and joy? You put your whole self into your work,
moving your arm and entire body, and created tales to go with your pictures. You
were probably very young and the adults found your creations of purple spotted
ponies, lollipop trees, and suns with fingers "precious." Your efforts were
applauded and encouraged. Then something happened. As you grew older, inner and
outer critics began taking over and judging your creations. They arrived in the
form of words, looks, comparisons, and grades. You were measured against someone
else's criteria. This is when many of us began hushing our purple spotted pony
voice. It needed to be locked away in a safe place.

Picasso said it took him years to learn to draw like a child. That freedom! That
freshness! Children know they are creative. They have the confidence to draw
anything. Just watch a four-year-old at work. What color to use, how to lay out
the picture, where to put what, are all non-issues. They don't just stare at the
white page contemplating how to begin. They work with enthusiasm, unhindered by
the outside world. If asked about something in their picture they answer in a
tone of disbelief that it isn't apparent.

Discovery. It's all about discovery. That inner voice has been squelched for so
long. We procrastinate. We deny. We're busy. We're tired. There's no time. Who
cares anyway? YOU DO. Your inner soul does. It is who you are. Listen to that
voice. Discover meaning. Confront the fear. Discover your safe place. Decide you
matter. Rediscover the artist you are.

Now stop shaking before you get a number on the Richter scale and let's go paint
purple spotted ponies together!